Council reverses decision on radio system, again

Council reverses decision on radio system, again

Latest: 4:50 pm, 9/29/14, Monday
DECATUR -- A million-dollar contract with Motorola is back on the table.

Latest: 4:50 pm, 9/29/14, MondayDECATUR -- A vote Monday night could replace a 25-year old system. If the vote passes, the city will upgrade its radio system. The million-dollar contract with Motorola is back on the table.

It was approved last month, but then retracted when lightning struck a transmission tower, disabling the system for 21 hours. City leaders did research and determined it was still the best system despite the problem.

Latest: 6:07 am, 8/19/14, TuesdayDECATUR -- The city council voted to reverse a decision to purchase a new communications system. It approved $1.5 million contract with Motorola earlier this month. Hours later, lightning hit a nearby transmission tower.

Other towers were supposed to pick up the service, but didn't. The outage brought the emergency radio system down and the city was forced to use the old system as back-up. Alternative communication options are now being considered.

Latest: 5:04 pm, 8/18/14, MondayDECATUR -- The city may be scrambling for a new radio communication system. The city council approved a $1.5 million contract with Motorola earlier this month. Hours later, lightning hit a nearby transmission tower in Macon County.

Others towers were supposed to pick up the service, but didn't. The outage knocked the emergency radio system down for 21 hours. Monday night, the city council will consider revoking its approval of that contract.

Update: 10:25 pm, 8/4/14, MondayDECATUR -- First responders will get some new equipment to help serve the community. Monday night, the Decatur City Council approved buying a new radio system. It will cost nearly $1.5 million. It will replace one that's 25-years old.

Now, all the city's departments will be connected to each other. The universal system also allows for better communication to other county and state agencies.

Original: 6:05 pm, 8/4/14, MondayDECATUR -- An important vote takes place Monday night. City leaders are looking into a new radio system which is already in use by both police and fire departments. The change would allow other city departments to stay connected. Replacing the old system will cost about $1.4 million.

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